GSAR Hot News keeps you informed about the latest industry news.
Top Headlines for June 12
New ad campaign promotes virtual open houses
As we move forward into Phase 3 of reopening, please continue to be safe and use the many tools available to you for virtual showings and virtual open houses. We have heard many success stories from our agents about using these virtual methods. Keep an eye out on our local TV stations, Spectrum and Facebook for our new spots that will lead consumers to cnyREALTOR.com to find your virtual opens. Read below under MLS Tips for more about the tools at your disposal. Together, we can show consumers they can buy and sell real estate safely in CNY!
The GSAR/CNYIS 2020 membership directory its on its way to you
We are happy to be producing our directory once again for our REALTOR and Affiliate members. Please keep a lookout next week in your home mailbox for your copy. In the meantime, you can check out the digital version here.
Stay informed and join the conversation on our private Facebook page
We’re excited that our private, members-only Facebook page, GSAR & CNYIS Information and Updates, is at 626 members and growing! This is where you will find all the latest important news and updates. We want to hear from you, so we are now allowing comments on posts. Because we want it to be a positive environment for sharing, we have guidelines for you to follow. We encourage you to check them out in the About section and then comment away. We hope to see you there.
GSAR is your COVID-19 and real estate resource
GSAR's COVID-19 resources page is available to assist you as we move into reopening Phase 3. Our staff is keeping this page updated as any new guidances becomes available from state agencies, NYSAR, NAR and other sources. At the time of this publication,thisis the latest guidance document regarding real estate practices.
MLS Tips
MLS Tip: Let us help you advertise your virtual opens
When you are scheduling a virtual open house, make sure to enter it into the Public Open House field in the MLS. Also, it is important to complete the URL field telling consumers where to go on that date and time to participate in the virtual open house. Once you've entered it into the MLS, it will automatically show on cnyREALTOR.com. Just like that, we are helping you promote it!
Take advantage of these showing tools - virtual and in-person
GSAR and CNYIS continue to encourage you to hold virtual open houses on platforms such as Facebook Live, Zoom, and Instagram Live. Under the current state guidelines, you can only have one party in an open house at a time. If you do them virtually, you can have an unlimited number of consumers. If you are looking for a product to use for virtual showings, ShowingTime offers this feature. If you are doing an in-person showing, the default time between showings in ShowingTime has been changed from 15 minutes to 30 minutes to allow more time for proper cleaning between appointments. Another feature we would like to point out is the Buyer Contact Field in ShowingTime. This is a perfect way to help with possible contract tracing if needed. The field is confidential and only available to the buyer's agent and their broker. As always, please check with your Broker on their policies!
Enhanced features now available in Matrix
Matrix was upgraded on June 10 to version 8.4.8 to include new features such as: a modernized e-mail layout; sort order indicators added to search result headers; full browser width maps; new icons throughout the search module; and more. The upgrade also includes fixes such as CMAs purging at 180 days. View the full list of enhanced features here.
Realist releases product updates
CoreLogic successfully deployed several product enhancements to Realist. The list of enhancements includes:
Enhancement to grid – compact mode
Enhancement to grid – show only selected rows
Enhancement to map – automatic zoom in and out
In addition, several bug fixes were included in the deployment.Click herefor complete details.
Education
Department of State extends license renewal deadlines
The New York State Department of State has extended the deadline for real estate license renewals and has granted real estate licensees and appraisers a 90-day deferment for meeting their continuing education requirements.
“Effective March 27, 2020, pursuant toExecutive Order 202.11, any license issued by the Division of Licensing Services or New York State Athletic Commission, that expires after that date, shall remain in effect until August 6, 2020. Further, the Appraisal Subcommittee of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council, has advised that appraisers within New York have been granted a 90-day deferment for meeting continuingeducation requirements. Any license holder that is eligible to renew and does not need the extension is encouraged to do so; all other license holders may rely on the above extensions. Please note: licensees who submit a renewal after the expiration date printed on their license but by August 6, 2020 will see a change in their license term dates upon renewal; however, our office (NYSDOS) will maintain a record of the EO extension and your license will considered continuous licensure for this period.”
NOTE:Virtual CE classes require that you have a camera and a microphone. You must view a Zoom tutorial or be familiar with the basic Zoom functions. In order to receive CE credit, you must be visible and be able to communicate verbally during the entire class - no exceptions.
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Member Benefits and Events
Raising the Bar #2 presentation video now available
Jeff Knauss's presentation on marketing yourself during these difficult times was very well received by the members who participated. For those who were unable to attend or who may want to watch it again, the video is availablehere. You can view his PowerPoint presentation here.
Hawley Studio Photography member benefit offers savings
GSAR members can save 15 percent on their publicity portraits with our member benefit from Hawley Studio. For 72 years and three generations, the studio has specialized in photographing families, real estate interiors and headshots. Call 315-488-5429 or visit
